By: The ABC Staff
The holiday season brings twinkling lights, festive decorations, and plenty of gatherings with loved ones. But while it’s a joyful time for humans, it can also present unexpected dangers and stress for our pets. From tempting decorations to busy household activity, there’s a lot to consider when keeping your furry companions safe, calm, and happy. With a little preparation, you can make sure your home stays both festive and pet-friendly this holiday season.
1. Deck the Halls — Carefully
Holiday décor may look magical, but many decorations can be risky for pets.
Christmas Trees: Secure your tree to a wall or ceiling hook so curious cats and dogs can’t tip it over. Avoid placing breakable ornaments near the bottom branches and skip tinsel altogether—cats often see it as a toy, but if swallowed, it can cause serious intestinal blockages.
Electrical Cords and Lights: Use cord protectors or tape down wires to prevent chewing. Pets who gnaw on cords risk burns or electric shock.
Candles and Scents: A flickering candle or a diffuser may create ambiance, but keep them out of reach. Cats are notorious for knocking things over (candles are a definite fire hazard around pets!), and certain essential oils (like tea tree, pine, and cinnamon) can be toxic to both dogs and cats.
Toxic Plants: Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and lilies can all be poisonous if ingested. Opt for pet-safe alternatives such as artificial versions or fresh flowers like roses and orchids.
2. Watch Out for Holiday Food Hazards
The holidays mean delicious meals and desserts, but many of those foods are unsafe for pets.
Avoid sharing table scraps, especially anything containing chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol). (See our other article in this issue of Paw Prints for easy homemade holiday treat alternatives!)
Keep alcohol and rich, fatty foods out of reach—pets can be very sneaky when there’s turkey or ham left unattended!
Make sure trash cans are covered securely or out of reach to prevent pets from rummaging through leftovers or packaging.
3. Create a Calm, Pet-Friendly Space
Holiday parties and family gatherings can be overwhelming for animals. Loud music, unfamiliar visitors, and the general bustle of activity can lead to stress or even attempts to escape.
Set up a quiet retreat area where your pet can relax, away from guests and noise. Include their bed, water, favorite toy, and maybe some soothing background music or a white noise machine.
Maintain their routine as much as possible. Consistent feeding and walking times help reduce anxiety.
Use gates or closed doors to keep pets away from exits when guests are coming and going—many pets slip out during parties and get lost during the holidays.
If your pet is particularly anxious around strangers or noise, consider using pheromone sprays or collars, calming treats, or talk to your veterinarian about additional options.
4. Be Mindful with Guests and Children
Not everyone understands how to interact with pets, especially visiting children or relatives who don’t have animals at home.
Remind guests to ask permission before giving owner-approved treats, and never feed table scraps.
Educate children on gentle pet handling—no pulling tails, grabbing fur, or chasing!
If you have guests with their own pets, introduce them slowly in a neutral space and supervise interactions closely to avoid stress or conflict.
5. Keep Travel Plans Pet-Safe
If you’ll be traveling this season, plan for your pets’ comfort and safety:
Make sure they’re microchipped and wearing updated ID tags, air tags, or other tracking devices… because you never know!
If you’re boarding them, confirm at least two weeks before the scheduled stay that vaccinations are current and that the facility has good reviews for cleanliness and care.
For pets staying home, hire a trusted sitter or use a reputable in-home care service. Look for sitters who are certified, insured, bonded, and trained in pet CPR/first aid, with background checks or licensing where applicable.
A Season of Joy — and Safety
With a little forethought, your home can stay merry, bright, and safe for your furry family members. Taking simple precautions—like securing decorations, setting up quiet zones, and maintaining healthy routines—helps your pets feel as much a part of the holiday cheer as everyone else.
After all, the holidays are about spending time with the ones you love—and that most certainly includes the four-legged members of your family.
